Nando’s ‘misleading’ free lunch ad banned by watchdog
Ad Standards has banned a “misleading” Nando’s ad for giving customers the impression they could receive a free lunch in-store between 11am and 2pm, when there were hidden terms and conditions which meant only the first 250 people would receive “lunch on us”.
The ad posted to Nando’s Facebook page says “Lunch on us Monday 5th – Friday 9th Feb, 11am-2pm”, however, a complaint posted to Ad Standards said when they arrived for a free lunch, they were told there “was a limit of the first 250 people so to get in early when it starts so you don’t miss out”.
The ad is still available on Facebook
“Nowhere does the advertising suggest this limit and I find that to be misleading and disappointing,” the complaint said.
Nando’s said the image wasn’t misleading as it “visually featured food items that could be claimed under the offer” and the advertiser offered a link to the full terms and conditions.
The advertiser said the terms and conditions outlined that a maximum of 250 lunches would be given out per day.
Ad Standards said it wasn’t reasonable to expect users to click through to a terms and conditions page when looking at an image on Facebook and the terms and conditions should have been made clear as part of the ad.
“The Panel considered that the advertiser had not intended to mislead the public but considered that the overall impression of the advertisement is that anyone in the store between 11am and 2pm would receive a free meal. The Panel considered that as this was not the case the advertisement was misleading,” Ad Standards said.
Ad Standards upheld the complaint.
Nando’s responded to the ruling saying it did not agree with the outcome but respects the decision made by Ad Standards.
The advertiser said the ad was discontinued weeks prior to the ruling, however, the ad is still available on its Facebook page.
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